Posts tagged "AZA"

Disney’s Key Largo Woodrat Recovery Program Receives Prestigious Award

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Sept. 23, 2009 – The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) recently recognized Disney’s Animal Programs for conservation efforts to help protect the endangered Key Largo woodrat. During the AZA’s annual conference, the team received the Edward H. Bean Significant Achievement Award, which recognizes programs that contribute to the reproductive success of a species.

Since 2005, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been assisting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in developing and implementing a recovery plan for the Key Largo woodrat, which is threatened by habitat loss along with an invasion of non-native animal species, such as the Burmese python.

During the very early days of the conservation program, animal researchers quickly learned that breeding this elusive species was a challenge since there was very little information about social structure, reproductive biology, or ecology. The Key Largo woodrats share little in common with the average city rat and are difficult to breed, having only about two litters per year of one to three pups.

Researchers also discovered that the nocturnal creatures also spend a lot of time building nests. “In the wild, Key Largo woodrats build stick nests that can be up to three feet tall,” said Andy Daneault, assistant curator of ectotherms for Disney’s Animal Programs.

Through diligent research, Disney animal experts found ways to successfully breed this nocturnal animal and have successfully bred nearly 30 Key Largo woodrats. The goal is to eventually reintroduce these captive-born woodrats to Key Largo to help increase the wild population.

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Posted by Stitch Kingdom - September 23, 2009 at 2:39 pm

Categories: Animal Kingdom, Conservation / Animal Programs, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World   Tags: , ,

The Seas Granted Accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The Seas with Nemo & FriendsSilver Spring, Maryland, March 30, 2009 - The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) today announced that The Seas was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.

“The Seas has been awarded AZA accreditation because of its high standards in every aspect of its operations,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “Orlando should be proud to have one of the top facilities in North America as a valuable community asset and economic engine.”

To be accredited, The Seas underwent a thorough investigation to ensure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process in order to be members of the Association, and are required to resubmit to this process every five years.

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Posted by Stitch Kingdom - March 30, 2009 at 8:31 am

Categories: Epcot, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World   Tags: ,

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